My Favorite Things from Christmas 2010

Even though Christmas seems like a distant memory, I'm still loving some of the gifts that I received.   Here are my favorite new obsessions from Christmas 2010:

Apple TV

Apple TV is in one word,  AMAZING! With a very small footprint, it provides the ability to stream movie rentals from iTunes and Netflix, directly to your tv! Previously, I'd have to watch on my laptop or iphone. But now, I'm streaming HD movies directly to my nice, big flat screen! You can also access YouTube, Podcasts, MobileMe, Flickr, as well your entire iTunes music library. The best part was how easy it was to set up! Seriously, in 5 minutes flat I was up and running!

Le Mer Collections Watch

Although I put this watch prominently on my list, I sort of knew that my family wouldn't go to the trouble to order it. So, this was actually a Christmas present to myself. :) Valerie of  Red Vines for Breakfast owns this watch, and ever since drooling over her's in person, I knew that I had to have one . Now I do!

Sabon NYC - Rose Tea

Everytime I travel to NYC, I always make a point to stop in Sabon. Upon entering the boutique, you're always asked, "have you been here before?" I usually play dumb say no, and then I'm escorted to a round sink where I can try out their various scrubs, lotions and potions.  I'm always amazed at how moisturized my skin feels afterward, and how long that moisturization lasts! But each trip I come home empty handed, due to the lack of space in my luggage. I leave the store telling myself that I'll just order it, but I never do...until now! (Yes, another present to myself) I'm completely obsessed with the Rose Tea scent of the scrub and body lotion, and this combo came just in time to treat my dry Winter skin!

Steven by Steve Madden Sequin Box Clutch

This was a present from my Dad. Even though this glitzy number was on my Christmas list, apparently I had forgotten to note which color I'd like, and there were several to choose from! My Dad took a guess, and he guessed right! This was exactly the bag that I had been wanting, to complete my NYE ensemble! It was perfect!

Kate Spade Lady Marmalade Small Bracelet

Speaking of NYE, this bracelet alone made my outfit feel much more fancy! It's so sparkly, yet I can easily pair it with my Michael Kors watch to make it more casual. This picture doesn't do it justice!

American Eagle Solid Leggings

These are my new favorite leggings! After throwing out several pairs of Massimo's that were falling apart at the seams, I was in desperate need of some replacements! One day I was in a hurry and American Eagle was close, so I ran in an grabbed a pair of their black leggings.  So far, I've been really impressed by the quality as they seem to hold up really well. I was so happy that my Mom bought me two more pairs! I have them in black, but they're no longer available online (only Army Green). If you're lucky enough, you might find them in stores. Sadly, my local stores are all out of my size. :(

Cookie Dough Scoop

This was suppose to be in my stocking, but I asked Santa to make an exception and bring it a little early. ;) (Especially since I was to be in full baking mode the week of Christmas)  A cookie dough scoop is the trick to maintaining that uniform size, resulting in a professional looking cookie. This really came in handy for my chocolate crinkle cookies that I make every year!

What were some of your favorite gifts of Christmas 2010?

In My Bag

Last week, Katie from Fashion's Maven, basically tagged everyone to do a "What's In My Bag" post. Since I've been wanting to switch to one of my shoulder bags, I figured this would be the perfect time to show you what I carry.  Let's get started!

This is the bag I've been lugging all of my stuff in, for the past couple of months. The Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Speedy 30. I bought it back in 2007, and it's proved to be a worthy investment.  I love taking it out of it's dust bag, at the first signs of Spring! At three years old, it's still holding up really well, although I do miss the ivory tone of the leather it had when it was new. Here it is when I first brought it home.

Wasn't it pretty? As soon as I switch to my "Fall" bags, this one is going in for service. I'm going to have all of the leather replaced, so that next Spring it'll look brand new.

So, back to what it looks like now.

It's hard to tell by this picture, how much stuff is in there, but it holds a ton! Here's another pic. I had to hit it with a little flash because it was too dark in there.

Inside my LV, I have a Purseket to help keep me organized. Otherwise, everything would be floating around, all over the place.

Here's the whole thing emptied out. I'm surprised I don't need a chiropractor!

Vintage frames for my prescription glasses. (I'm near sighted)

Louis Vuitton Vernis Koala Wallet and 4-Key Holder in Pomme, broken key-less remote for car and mini lip gloss by Lola. (Which is probably rancid because it's so old. Does Lola even exist anymore?)

Random mail to go out, plastic bag full of pharmaceuticals and deodorant, Paul & Joe for Target coin purse (usually I keep this in the car, full of quarters for the meters. It's in my bag as a reminder to replenish), and Louis Vuitton Damier Pouchette (used as a makeup bag).

In the LV Pouchette:

• Armani Lipstick - This was gratis and not officially labeled. It says #31. (cherry red)
• MAC Hello Kitty Lustre Lipstick - Most Popular
• Tarte Lip Gloss - Two colors from a holiday gift set (unlabeled)
• Patricia Wexler M.D. - Advanced No Injection Lip Plumper
• NYX Lip Gloss - Tea Rose, French Kiss & Smokey Look
• Laura Mercier Lip Glace - Blush
• Clinique Almost Lipstick - Black Honey
• Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil - Damned
• NYX Lip Pencils - Natural & Mauve
• Stila Lip Pencil - No. 16
• Physician's Formula Felt Tip Eye Marker - Ultra Black
• Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer - Nectarine Mint
• Clear Eyes
• Entrance Badge from the Metropolitan Museum of Art ( I miss NYC!)

The Technology:

• Flash Drive
• iPhone 4 and 3g (now used as an iPod touch)
• Flip HD
• Canon PowerShot Digital Elph - SD 630 (old but gets the job done. Using the camera so only the case is featured)

Random Extras:

• Love & Toast Hand Cream - Paper Flower
• Room key for the Beverly Hills Hotel
• Pouch full of gift cards
• Business cards, free panty card from VS, Starbucks Pick of the Week download cards
• MAC Studio Fix
• Altoids Smalls
• Pilot G-2 pen
• Hair tie and bobby pins
• Forever 21 earrings
• Tarte lip gloss
• Essie nail polish - Watermelon
• Lancome Virtuose Black Carat mascara (to go into my kit)

Someone wanted to help, when I was taking pictures. :)

In case you were wondering which bag I switched to, it's this Linea Pelle shoulder bag.

Now that my bag is all organized (long overdue, btw) I'm tagging all of my lovely readers to do their own "In My Bag" post! I can't wait to take a peek!

Adventures of the iPhone 4

This was the scene at midnight, while waiting to get my hands on the elusive iPhone 4. Yes, I was one of those crazy people that stood in line for 7 hours for A PHONE! But believe me, I didn't plan on it.

I had pre-ordered my phone, which required me to pick it up within business hours on release day, or lose my reservation. I knew the store would be insane, especially in the morning, so I did a drive by. It was worse than expected, with a ridiculously long line for people without a reservation, and an even longer line for the people who pre-ordered! I thought for sure that they'd sell out within the first half of the day, and then I'd come back later. I had no idea how late that would be!

Since my store closes at 9 pm, I thought I'd be smart, and get there at about 7:30 to take my place in line. The first couple of hours wasn't too bad. I was surrounded by Apple lovers, and everyone was kind of geeking out over technology. It was like standing in line for Star Wars! At around 9'ish they handed out vouchers to come back the next day, just in case security made them shut down the line. They assured us that they'd stay until everyone got their phone. At about the 4th hour, I was feeling pretty stupid for being one of THOSE people, that had to have it on the first day. I mean seriously...I wasn't going to die without it. I had a perfectly fine 3g already! By the time I thought about taking photos to document the madness, I'd been in line for about 5 hours and my battery was dead on my phone and my camera. So the only device left was my Flip. (hence the video) When I finally got into the store and purchased the new phone it was 2am! I was exhausted and hungry, but I had my phone. I've never felt like a bigger idiot!

So, was it worth it? Yes and no.

YES:

The iPhone 4 is SUPER fast! Web pages that would take forever to load on my 3g, now load at lightning speed! Multi-tasking works well, and everything seems to shift seamlessly between apps.  The resolution is incredible, and the upgraded camera with flash takes fantastic photos! Also, the front facing camera lens and option to shoot HD video has been a fun bonus. You can also change your home screen background, which previously could only be done on a jail broken phone. With the new addition of folders, it's easy to organize apps by category and eliminate clutter as well.

NO:

FaceTime (video calling) is pretty useless, unless you and another iPhone 4 user are both on WiFi. This will move to the YES category when it becomes available through the 3g network. The new design feels a little clunky compared to the old curvier style. I miss the way my 3g felt in my hand. This new shape with sharper edges and glass back, makes me feel like I'm going to drop it. I never felt like I was going to drop my 3g, nor did I have a case for it either. I've heard that the iPhone 4 feels naked without the bumper that Apple is selling.  I ordered one, but it doesn't ship until the end of the month, so I'll have to report back on that. Also, there's a little issue with the antenna band that wraps around the phone. By holding it in your left hand, you cause the signal to drop. This is a known issue that Apple has acknowledged, finally, so hopefully a fix will come in the next update. Another thing that bugs  me, is the way the folders look. I would love to be able to create an icon for the folders on the home screen. It looks a little messy, which for me, defeats the purpose. Not a huge deal, but would be nice.

Even though my "NO" list is a bit longer, it's still an iPhone, and I'd be lost without it!  I definitely didn't need to wait in line for 7 hours, but the love-fest continues!

Also noted...my new Abbi case that I talked about here, making it's blogger debut! :)

My "So Called" Crazy Life

Hi! Remember me? I'm that makeup artist and sometimes blogger that suddenly fell off of the face of the Earth. :) I wish I could see a break in sight, but sadly, I'm intensely booked through July 17th! Granted, this is not a bad problem to have, it just leaves little time for blogging. Actually, my choice of late has been sleep vs. blog. You've obviously seen which has been winning out, and I'm barely getting 4-5 hrs a night at that! So, if I all of a sudden I go missing again...you know what's happening.

My last post I was debating whether or not to get the black or white iPhone. I got the black since it's the only one available. (apparently there's a problem with production of the white) Look for a full review of the iPhone 4 coming very soon. 

This past weekend was eventful to say the least! Saturday I watched my little cousin get married, and what a beautiful bride she was! 

Here she is with her new husband, Jethro.

And Heather and I.

Immediately following the wedding, I spent the night in the ER with my Dad, because he was having complications from a recent eye surgery. He's fine now, but getting home from the wedding at 5:30 am was pretty brutal, and the topper...I had to be at work by 9 am! Sunday was hard, as I had no sleep and zero downtime to prepare for the upcoming week. Then, Monday morning came and I got the call that I've been waiting for...my sister-in-law went into labor! I had a full day scheduled, but was able to clear my afternoon to await the arrival of my niece. After three boys, my brother and sis-in-law finally did it!  A baby girl! I'm so excited that now I'll get to shop all of the isles at Toys-R-Us! lol!

Introducing my new niece Anne Charlotte...

and me, holding sweet little Annie. 

(the picture is blurry because my brother is a horrible photographer! lol! I normally take the pictures in the family, and this is why)

So, now you know what I've been up to. I'm looking forward to catching up with you, and reading all of your fabulous blogs! And then I'm looking forward to a day at the pool, doing absolutely nothing. :)

xoxo,

Bren

Poll: iPhone 4 - Black or White?

So, today is the big day... I'm getting my new iPhone! I'm soooo excited!!! I've already pre-ordered the black, because the white wasn't available to reserve on opening day. But, now I'm thinking that white might be a fun change, since I've had black for 2+ years. I'm not even sure that white will be available when I go to the store, but if it is....should I get it? I still really like the sleekness of the black though. Ugh! I can't decide! Which would you get? Black or White? Please vote below.

iPhone 4: Black or White?
	Black
	White
pollcode.com free polls

They Had Me at Retina Display

I've been addicted to my 3g for two blissful years, and would be lost without it! In fact, I've had such an amazing experience with my iPhone, that I've now made the switch to a Mac! So, guess who's already pre-ordered the new iPhone 4?! Ummm...that would be me! :)

In case you are still on the fence about getting the new iPhone, here are some of the features that I'm really excited about:

New design:

 The iPhone 4 will be thinner than the previous 3gs, making it the thinnest smartphone on the market. Glass on the front and back with fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating, and a stainless steel band surrounding the phone acts as a built-in antenna.

Retina display:

 With the new Retina display, everything you do and see on the iPhone 4 looks incredible! The high-res display (960x640), with the help of IPS technology, makes for a fantastic view from any angle.  

Updated camera:

 The new camera jumps from 3 to 5 MP, but images will look better due to photon capture technology. Also added: 5x digital zoom, tap to focus and LED flash, HD video (720 at 30 fps), front facing camera,  iMovie video editing, and FaceTime video chat (only on iPhone 4 via WiFi)

iOS4 Software update: 

New features coming in the iOS4 update include: multitasking, folders for organizing apps,  better email with a unified inbox and message threading, iBooks e-reader, and so much more!

To view all of the Tech Specs on the iPhone 4, click here.

Available for pre-order in white or black

16 GB $199 or 32 GB $299 

(prices based on eligibility for discount through AT&T)

Who's with me? Did you pre-order?

Geek Chic

Since I bought my new MacBook Pro, I've been scouring the internet looking for something fashionable to carry it in.  I've pretty much decided that I want a sleeve type case as well as a larger tote to hold it in. Temporarily,  I'm using my old Goldenbleu Jordan satchel.

It works, but it's really heavy with my laptop in it.  Also, the straps aren't as long as I'd like making it a bit awkward to carry.  I'm typically a Louis Vuitton girl for everyday bags, but I carry the Speedy style which won't accommodate my laptop. Since I own zero Monogram pieces, I thought this might be a good time to add the classic LV design to my collection. I'm thinking about getting this for my tote:

Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM $750

or maybe a Goyard tote in a fun color...

Goyard St. Louis GM Tote $1040

I'm kind of leaning towards the LV, because it's less expensive, and would look better with a pop of color peeking out. If I go with the Goyard, I'd want a more neutral sleeve. Here are some of the colorful sleeves that I'm considering...

Janine King Cherry Blossom Sleeve $69

 Abbi Embossed Neoprene Sleeve $49.95

Abbi Leopard Print Sleeve $49.95

 Manhattan Portage Sleeve $35

Sumo Laptop Sleeve $34.95

Incase Neoprene Sleeve $39.95

Sumdex Sleeve $24.99

And here's a couple of wild cards...

Electricbaby Vinyl Sleeve $45

Isis Dei Sleeve $32

Which one should I get? Any other suggestions?

Have a great weekend! :) 

Bad Blogger, Proud Mac Owner

And...I'm back!

I'm so sorry that I've been a little MIA the past couple of days. I've been working non-stop since I got back from my trip, and nowhere near a computer. It's been so frustrating because I typically have some down time during the day, which could be spent blogging. I hate, hate, hate not being able to stay on top of my blog, and all of yours, so yesterday I did something to fix that. 

{via}

Remember back in February, when I was debating between a new PC or Mac? Well the debate is over, and I can now say that I'm a proud Mac Book Pro owner! Not only is this my first Mac, it's also my first laptop! Can you believe I've been using a desktop all of this time? I'm such a gadget girl, and it even shocks me that it's taken until 2010 to get a laptop!  Crazy right?! Up until now, I've relied heavily on my iPhone for all of my on-the-go Internet/email needs. I love my iPhone, but it just can't get the "blogging job" done.  With my work schedule this week, it became apparent that unless I bought a laptop, it would become extremely difficult to stay on top of blogging. (posting, reading and commenting) It made me sick to not post two days in a row, so much so, that I almost bought a netbook! I'm so glad I walked away! It would've been a quick fix, but in the long run I'd still want a Mac. As happy as I am with my new computer, I'm not going to lie...I've also had major anxiety over the switch. I've been a PC user forever, and though I don't love PC's, I know them...really well! I fully expect a learning curve, but I'm  hoping the transition won't be too painful. :) I've been told that after a week on my Mac, I'll never want to touch a PC again. Based on my iPhone experience, I have no doubt that it'll be a love-fest, but right now...we're in the "getting to know each other" phase. :)

Since I've missed a couple of days this week, I'm going to post through the weekend. Just to get back on track, but mostly to catch up with all of you. I feel so out of the loop! Also, my Bobbi Brown giveaway was going to end today, but I've decided to extend the entry period until Sunday, June 6th. That will give you all an extra two days to enter!  I'll still be announcing the winner on Monday, June 7th. Good Luck!

In-Flight Essentials

I've been doing a lot of traveling for work, and if you've been on a plane anytime recently, you know that flying just isn't what it use to be. In fact, it can be down right uncomfortable! It's taken a little trial and error, but I've finally figured out what I need with me, to ensure a pleasant flight. Here are my must-have travel essentials:

Big, Dark Sunglasses -Stella McCartney

Makes sleeping a little easier, and who doesn't look more glamorous with big sunglasses on?

Bottled Water 

purchased after security screening

Pashmina Scarf

These are the scarves you see it every airport for about $10. Super soft, and big enough to use as a blanket.

Iphone with Headphones

Preferably with a downloaded movie rental from itunes, all ready to go. The headphones are necessary just to drown out the sound of the screaming child, that without a doubt, I'm seated next to.

Bath & Body Works Hand Sanitizer

Not only does this keep my hands clean, it also gives me something nice to smell other than the guy sitting next to me, who doesn't believe in deodorant. :)

Love & Toast Hand Cream

This is with me at all times, flying or not.

Jouer Lip Enhancer

This picture isn't the greatest, but don't judge a book by it's cover. This lip enhancer is AMAZING! It's  what I keep in my makeup kit to prep the lips for color, and I haven't found anything that works better.  Moisturizes, slightly plumps, and leaves the palest pink wash of color.  Every client asks me the same thing...what it is, and where to get it! It's THAT good!

Emergen-C

These little packs really help boost my immune system, especially when flying with a bunch of people hacking and sneezing.

What are your In-Flight Essentials?